Twenty three days before the release of John Lennon’s “Double Fantasy” album and just forty four days before his senseless murder, Juan Pablo Mazzola was born.
Juan is the mainstay of the Argentinean originated “Baby Scream” he is the singer songwriter who has fronted the group in its many formats since 2001. “Identity Theft” was released in America just before Christmas 2009, but will soon be made available at Amazon. It also showcases the talents of producer and fellow musician Muddy Stardust whose contribution to “Identity Theft” is to be highly applauded.
This extended EP sounds like a continuation of “Double Fantasy” and its posthumously released sequel “Milk and Honey” and with the inclusion of the little known Lennon cover “Mucho Mungo/Mt. Elga” which Lennon wrote with his long time buddy Harry Nilsson as the final track, any uncertainty of the connection must evaporate.
Juan’s eight year commitment and tenacity has paid off! In the tracks of this EP we find, a man at peace with his talents and his ability to contribute to the world of music. His assertion in the lyrics of the opening track to “Be yourself and no-one else,” and to “Give no excuse, you have nothing to loose!” confirms this! “Be” is a beautifully acoustic guitar lead, singer songwriter opener, with synthesizer backing.
“Dead Woman Walking” has a much fuller sound, and its musical darkness expresses the desperation and sadness of the loveless life its lyrics speak of. “Nicole” continues the theme of sadness, but in a less dark musical format; speaking of break up, loss and regret, something we have all experienced. The lyrics are poignantly heartfelt and full of apology, the melody is hauntingly memorable.
The mood lightens again with “Memories” which was written with Cristian Basualdo. Cristian plays lead and rhythm guitar on the track. If this were a Lennon album, it would be known as the Harrison track. This laid back bluegrass summer sound, reminds the listener of happier times in the past, but sadly just a memory.
The fifth and final Muddy Stardust produced track “Underground Blues” is more rock orientated, but finishes too soon. Maybe a longer version could be included on a future release?
My personal favourite, is the English version of the song “Ojos Orientales” (Oriental Eyes) written by Rinaldo Rafanelli who provides bass, 12 string guitar and backing vocals on the track. It’s a commercially sounding song of promised long time commitment and love of a man for a woman. It romantically praises the lady for her wisdom and the blessing that she is. This Japanese sounding song could be an unpublished love song of John’s, for Yoko.
This collection of songs ends with the Lennon/Nilsson cover “Mucho Mungo/Mt. Elga.” Another lovely laid back summer sounding song, this time with a sense of pure joy. The mini album seems to take us on a pathway from darkness to light. Maybe it mirrors the experiences in music of Juan Pablo Mazzola, from angst and longing to arrival and happiness?
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